If you’re craving a warm, comforting snack that brings people together, this Hot & Cheesy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine layers of creamy, melty cheese mingling with tender spinach, tangy artichokes, and a touch of garlic, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the perfect party starter or cozy night-in treat that offers something a little special every time you dip in. The combination of textures and flavors makes it impossible to stop at just one bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dip shines because of its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every element plays a vital role in creating its irresistible texture, rich flavor, and that glorious cheesy pull everyone loves. Here’s what you’ll gather to make your Hot & Cheesy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe a showstopper:
- Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the richness perfectly.
- Chopped Frozen Spinach Leaves: Convenient and packed with nutrients, just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess liquid for best results.
- Cream Cheese (room temperature): The ultimate base for creamy dips, it melts smoothly to create velvety goodness.
- Marinated Artichoke Hearts: Infuse a bright, slightly tangy flavor and delicious chunkiness into your dip.
- Water Chestnuts: For a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers.
- Fresh Garlic (grated): Boosts flavor with subtle aromatic warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix: Enhances the overall depth of flavor with herbs and spices in one handy packet.
- Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded): Melts effortlessly and brings a mild, buttery taste.
- White Cheddar Cheese (shredded): Offers a sharper bite that adds complexity to the cheesy blend.
- Parmesan Cheese (grated): Adds a salty, nutty boost and helps with that beautiful golden crust.
- Fresh Mozzarella (hand torn and divided): Creates gooey pockets of melty magic both inside and on top of the dip.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Hot & Cheesy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F so it’s hot and ready when your dip is assembled. Preheating is key to achieving that perfect bubbly bake from the first minute you pop it in.
Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and combine the Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise, thawed and well-drained spinach, room temperature cream cheese, chopped artichoke hearts, chopped water chestnuts, freshly grated garlic, and the Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix. Then add the shredded Monterey Jack, white cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheeses—all this cheesy goodness will melt together creating that rich base.
Step 3: Add Mozzarella and Transfer
Save about half of the fresh mozzarella for topping. Stir the rest into your dip mixture. Spoon everything into a 2-quart casserole dish or a cast-iron skillet for that rustic charm. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top, which will give you those irresistible golden, melty pockets.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your dish into the oven and bake for about 35 minutes. You’re looking for a hot, bubbling dip that signals it’s close to ready. For a final touch, switch on the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes just to brown the top beautifully without burning.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, give it a minute to cool just slightly so those layers set a bit before digging in. Your Hot & Cheesy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe is now ready for the ultimate dipping session!
How to Serve Hot & Cheesy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or some thinly sliced green onions on top to brighten the look and add a hint of freshness. A little cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes also bring a subtle kick that complements the creamy dip beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers. Whether you prefer sturdy tortilla chips, crusty baguette slices, soft pita bread, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery and carrots, each option brings its own texture contrast to the creamy dip.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Hot & Cheesy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe inside a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl. You could also portion it into individual ramekins for personalized servings at a gathering. Adding colorful veggie crudités around the dish creates an inviting and vibrant appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover dip in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As the dip sits, the flavors deepen, making it just as tasty the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the dip either before or after baking. For best results, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Warm leftover dip in a microwave-safe dish or oven at 325°F until hot and bubbly again. Adding a sprinkle of fresh mozzarella on top before reheating helps to revive that delightful melty texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and drain fresh spinach thoroughly to remove excess moisture before mixing it in. This prevents the dip from becoming watery.
Is there a way to make this dip vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute vegan cream cheese, vegan mayo, and dairy-free cheese blends to make it vegan-friendly, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly from the classic version.
Can I prepare the dip without mayonnaise?
Mayonnaise adds creaminess and tang, but you can replace it with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a slightly different taste and texture.
What’s the best way to prevent the dip from drying out while baking?
Covering the dip loosely with foil for the first 25 minutes of baking helps retain moisture. Then uncover it to let the top brown under the broiler at the end.
Can this dip be made ahead for a party?
Definitely! Prepare the dip, assemble it in your baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake fresh right before serving for best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about this Hot & Cheesy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe that makes every gathering feel extra special. It’s effortless to prepare but utterly delicious, with layers of flavor and texture that keep everyone coming back for more. So next time you want to impress friends or simply treat yourself, give this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you for it!
PrintHot & Cheesy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
This Hot & Cheesy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip is a creamy, savory appetizer perfect for parties or cozy nights in. Featuring a rich blend of cheeses, spinach, artichokes, and garlic, it bakes to a bubbly golden perfection that’s irresistible when served warm with chips or fresh veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dip Ingredients
- ¾ cup Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise
- 1 (15 oz) bag Chopped Frozen Spinach Leaves, thawed and squeezed to remove excess liquid
- 1 (8 oz) package Cream Cheese, room temperature
- 1 (19 oz) jar Marinated Artichoke Hearts, drained and roughly chopped
- 1 (8 oz) can Water Chestnuts, drained and chopped
- 3 cloves Fresh Garlic, grated
- 1 package Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup White Cheddar cheese, shredded
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 (8 oz) container Fresh Mozzarella, hand torn and divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready to bake the dip evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the mayonnaise, thawed and squeezed spinach, softened cream cheese, chopped artichoke hearts, chopped water chestnuts, grated garlic, Knorr vegetable recipe mix, Monterey Jack, white cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until all components are evenly distributed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the prepared mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish or a cast-iron skillet. This will allow the dip to cook evenly.
- Add Mozzarella Topping: Sprinkle half of the fresh torn mozzarella throughout the mixture and save the remaining half for topping. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly on top of the filled dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole or skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes until the dip is hot, bubbly, and heated through.
- Broil for Finish: Turn on the broiler and broil the dip for 1 to 2 minutes more, just until the top turns golden brown and slightly crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve Warm: Remove from oven and serve immediately with tortilla chips, baguette slices, pita bread, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the spinach is well-drained to avoid a watery dip.
- Room temperature cream cheese blends easier with other ingredients.
- Watch closely when broiling to prevent burning the cheese topping.
- This dip can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
- Best enjoyed warm to fully savor the gooey cheese texture.